Clean agent fire suppression systems protect valuable assets in situations where water can significantly damage sensitive equipment and materials. These systems use gaseous agents that effectively extinguish fires and leave behind no residue, making them ideal for environments like data centers, server rooms, and other enclosures with sensitive equipment.
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to clean agent fire suppression systems. As each type of system contains its own sets of pros and cons for various situations, there are numerous variables to consider. Understanding these systems will help you choose the right solution for your fire protection needs.
Selecting the appropriate clean agent fire suppression system for your personal needs depends on various factors, including the specific environment, the presence of personnel, and various regulatory considerations.
Here’s just a quick overview of some of the most popular options:
- FM-200: Effective and non-toxic, but being phased down due to environmental regulations.
- Inergen: Environmentally friendly and safe for occupied spaces, making it a popular replacement for FM-200.
- 3M Novec 1230: Environmentally safer than FM-200, but being discontinued by 3M by 2025.
- Fluoro-K: Non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective clean agent, making it a popular replacement for both FM-200 and Novec 1230.
- CO2: Effective for unoccupied areas with valuable equipment but toxic to humans.
FM-200
FM-200 has long been a popular clean agent fire suppressant. It is a non-toxic, colorless gas that extinguishes fires by absorbing heat. FM-200 is effective against Class A standard fires, Class B liquid and gaseous fires, and Class C electrical fires.
Common Applications: FM-200 is widely used across various industries due to its effectiveness and safety for humans. Some common applications include:
- Banks
- Data Centers
- Libraries
- Museums
- Telecommunications Centers
Advantages: One of FM-200’s main benefits is that it leaves behind no residue, making it ideal for protecting sensitive equipment. Additionally, it is non-toxic to humans, allowing for safe use in occupied spaces.
Regulatory Status: Due to its potential impact on global warming, FM-200 is being phased down under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Production of FM-200 has already started to decrease, with a goal to reduce production to 15% by 2036. As FM-200 becomes less viable, property owners are encouraged to explore alternative clean agent fire suppression systems (more on that below).
Inergen
Inergen is a clean agent fire suppressant composed of three naturally occurring gases: nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. Unlike FM-200, which removes heat to extinguish fires, Inergen suppresses fires by reducing the amount of oxygen within an enclosure. Fire generally requires at least 15% oxygen, but Inergen reduces this level to 12.5%, which is low enough to extinguish the fire while still being safe for humans to breathe.
Applications: Inergen is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
- Bank Vaults
- Computer Rooms
- Data Centers
- Server Rooms
- Storage Facilities
- Telecommunications Centers
Advantages: Inergen is environmentally friendly, with no ozone depletion potential and minimal global warming impact. The unique mixture of gases enhances the body’s ability to assimilate oxygen, making it safe for use in occupied spaces. Additionally, like FM-200, Inergen leaves behind no residue, protecting sensitive equipment from damage.
Compared to FM-200, Inergen is a much more sustainable option. Its environmental benefits make it a preferred choice for many industries looking to replace or avoid FM-200.
3M Novec 1230
Novec 1230 is another clean agent fire suppressant that removes heat to extinguish flames. It is an environmentally friendly option that maintains its effectiveness in extinguishing Class A, B, and C fires.
Common Applications: Novec 1230 is used in various industries, such as:
- Aviation
- Data Centers
- Hospitals
- Manufacturing
- Oil and Gas
Advantages: Similar to FM-200 and Inergen, Novec 1230 leaves no residue and is safe for use around sensitive equipment. However, Novec 1230 is the far more environmentally friendly choice because it does not deplete the ozone layer.
Regulatory Status: In December 2022, 3M announced that it would discontinue chemicals necessary for the production of Novec 1230 by 2025. Despite the discontinuation of Novec 1230, there are currently no plans to ban the product.
Fluoro-K
Fluoro-K is an effective fire suppressant against Class A, B, and C fires. The agent is colorless and has little odor. It leaves behind no residue, keeping disruption to business at a minimum. Not to mention, it is non-toxic, making it suitable for areas where personnel are located.
Applications: Fluoro-K is suitable in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to:
- Data Centers
- Hospitals
- Libraries
- Museums
- Oil & Gas
- Telecommunication Facilities
Advantages: Fluoro-K is an environmentally friendly clean agent with zero ozone depletion potential. It is also a cost-effective option compared to some of the other clean agents listed here. With FM-200 being phased down and Novec 1230 being discontinued, Fluoro-K has emerged as a popular option for many industries.
CO2 Fire Suppression
CO2 fire suppression systems work by displacing oxygen to extinguish fires. CO2 is also effective against Class A, B, and C fires. It also leaves no residue, making it suitable for protecting valuable equipment. However, as CO2 is toxic to humans, this clean agent is best suited for areas with few or no occupants.
Types of CO2 Systems:
- Low-Pressure CO2: These systems are designed for large areas and discharge gas slowly to prevent re-ignition. They can be reused without immediate refilling, offering cost efficiency.
- High-Pressure CO2: These systems use multiple smaller tanks to fight fires in confined spaces. They discharge gas quickly and are effective for rapid fire suppression, though they exhaust all CO2 in a single use.
Applications: CO2 systems are commonly used in industrial settings and areas with sensitive electronics, including:
- Industrial Equipment
- Electronics
Considerations: While CO2 is an effective fire suppressant, it is toxic to humans. Therefore, CO2 systems are not recommended for areas where personnel are typically present. Other inert gas suppression methods, such as Inergen, are preferred in environments with regular human activity.
CO2 systems are unique in their ability to suppress fires without leaving any residue. However, their toxicity to humans limits their use in occupied spaces. In contrast, FM-200, Inergen, Fluoro-K, and Novec 1230 offer safer alternatives for areas where people are present.
Conclusion
Clean agent fire suppression systems offer effective and residue-free fire protection for sensitive environments. As regulations and environmental concerns evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest options and choose systems that balance effectiveness, safety, and sustainability.
Whether you’re protecting a data center, a server room, or any other critical area, understanding the differences between FM-200, Inergen, Novec 1230, Fluoro-K, and CO2 systems will help you make an informed decision. Emphasizing environmental responsibility and human safety, Fluoro-K and Inergen stand out as reliable and sustainable choices for modern fire protection needs in areas where occupants typically preside.